Siri, voice control assistant, was the big Apple announcement. The iPhone 4S is, as the name implies, an speed boosting update to the iPhone 4, while the iPod lineup has seen only very modest updates.
Apple announces the iPhone 4S. Apple’s newest iPhone is an all-internal upgrade that looks identical on the outside to the iPhone 4. The device will be available for pre-order on October 7, and it is released in the US on October 14. As almost everyone expected, the iPhone 4S will also launch on Sprint in addition to AT&T and Verizon. Apple’s site suggests unlocked models will be available, but pricing info for contract-free handsets isn’t available yet. The iPhone 4S has a faster dual core processor with much-improved graphics performance, improved battery and wireless performance, and a vastly improved 8 megapixel camera. Exclusive to the iPhone 4S is Siri, a new and powerful voice interface.
iPhone 4s Video
Apple introduces Siri as iPhone voice control assistant for iPhone 4S. Siri looks like it will revolutionize voice control on the iPhone. Siri is able to understand natural language inquiries and quickly look up information, generate appointments and text messages, and even take dictation. You may never need to type on your iPhone again. Reportedly the existing Siri app will go dark on October 15, so the service will definitely be exclusive to Apple’s newest iPhone after that.
Siri Video
iOS 5 available October 12. Available to everyone else on October 12. iOS 5 will be a free download that will run on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S; all models of iPad; and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch. Apple’s free replacement for MobileMe, iCloud, is also going live to everyone on October 12. Meanwhile, the App Store is now officially welcoming apps compatible with iOS 5.
iOS 5 Video
Also
Apple refreshes iPod touch lineup with new colors: With the only apparent changes being a new white model and a price drop for the entry-level model, the iPod touch received only a very modest update today. No mention was made of the iPod touch being updated with the A5 processor, which marks the first time the line hasn’t kept pace with the iPhone’s processor.
Apple refreshes iPod nano, lowers price: The iPod nano also received a very modest update; aside from new clock faces, integrated fitness functions, a slightly revamped UI, and a price drop, the nano is largely the same as last year’s model. The new UI and clock faces appear to be available to 2010 model iPod nanos via a software update, so if you have last year’s model already there doesn’t appear to be any reason to upgrade.
8 GB iPhone 3GS now free with contract, iPhone 4 price dropped: You can now pick up Apple’s two-year-old iPhone 3GS for free if you sign up for a two-year contract. That may sound like a great deal, but by 2013 the iPhone 3GS is probably going to seem like it’s a UNIVAC. You’re better off spending the extra $99 to get an iPhone 4 instead; it’s the same capacity, but with a much-improved processor, Retina Display, and a far better camera. Sure, the iPhone 3GS is free, but in our opinion you get what you pay for with that model.
